According to a Salon article posted on January 22^nd, 2017, Donald Trump is proposing to cu funds for the arts and humanities in order to lower the national debt. Essentially, this would mean that the arts would still be available in private schools, colleges, and the wealthy. This outraged me, as the arts have played a huge part in my life. I interviewed several people who were/are involved in the arts on this topic. This is their response.

“Fine arts are a way for people to express themselves and to limit that to the wealthy is sad. It’s scary to think that someday my children won’t be able to be in band, dance, or art because they go to public school. “ –Jesslyn (6+ years of band)

“I understand that he is trying to lower debt in this country, which has been an issue for many years, but cutting fine arts and humanities spending would take away a lot of dreams. Also, it would assert the idea that those who value the arts do not matter in this country.” –Briana (6 years of band)

“I think the arts are an integral part of the school system and should be available to everyone. After all, many of the world’s finest artists have come from hardship and probably would not have been able to afford private school.” –Amber (6+ years of band)

“It has been proven that music helps people improve their study skills and memory! It’s a bummer that someone is taking away something that helps so many people.” –Myrissa (7+ years of band)

“Honestly, I think it’s an awful idea to cut fine arts funding in public schools. Some of these kids have no way to express themselves and no money to do it, so taking that away from them is horrible. You shouldn’t have to pay thousands of dollars just to feel like you can create something.” –Jordan (7 years of band, 3 years of theatre, & 4 years of piano)

“There are a lot of us who use the fine arts as a way to express ourselves and expand our minds in a creative and social sense. Theatre is what made high school bearable for me because I felt like I was important and I meant something. I made almost all of my friends I have now through theatre.” –Ethan (6+ years of theatre)

“If the arts were not available to me in public school then I would have died. The only reason I would get out of bed in the morning was to attend my theatre class. I have found a home which is not only a refuge, but also a place to discover and learn about the world.” –Isabella (7+ years of theatre & band).

“The arts and humanities permit us to express ourselves in ways that other subjects simply don’t while exposing us to new perspectives and ideas that allow us to grow as individuals. Cutting funding to the arts in pursuit of saving money would end up costing us much more in the end.” –Steph (7 years of band & art since she could pick up a crayon).

“I can’t even being to express how important the arts have been to me. Everything good (and bad) in my life has begun with band, and I’m so grateful for the fine arts system in public schools for letting me meet my best friends, for allowing me so many great opportunities, and for giving me the family I never knew I needed” –Caroline (8+ years of band, 2 years of piano & 3 years of theatre)